Women with severe back disorder no longer eligible for disabled Blue Badge (From Your Local Guardian)

Beddington women Sharon Ralph has severe back disorder but is no longer eligible for disabled Blue Badge

5:10am Monday 24th September 2012 in Top Stories By Sophia Sleigh, Reporter

A mother who suffers from a degenerative back disorder has been told she is no longer eligible for her Blue Badge for disabled drivers.

Sharon Ralph, 49, from Beddington, had a badge for 10 years but after a meeting with Sutton Council officials the decision was made not to renew her badge.

Due to Mrs Ralph's incontinence she needs to carry a heavy bag of medical equipment for all her various needs which puts added pressure on her back.

Mrs Ralph fears she may have to give up her job in the social services in Lambeth as a result of the decision.

She said: "They are not taking in to account my double incontinence and carrying the equipment on my back.

"It is evident and clear that I am unable to take public transport because of the extreme nature of how this is affecting and impacting on me and my lifestyle -  and in order to maintain my clinics and hospital appointments. 

"I have to take time off work. I’ve stopped going to all my appointments at the incontinence clinic.

"They have disadvantaged me and nobody is coming back to me.

"I have asked them to go back and look at the meaning of the word disability.

"I will have to think about quitting work and going on benefits - I don’t want to do it.

"I find the entire situation degrading and humiliating and having to argue the councils process.

"Additionally, this is causing me great frustration and stress having to think about what will happen next."

A council spokesperson said: "Mrs Ralph’s mobility assessment is currently ongoing.

"Mrs Ralph has now given the occupational therapist service permission to contact her GP to obtain further information about the impact of her medical condition on her mobility and this will help us to complete the assessment as quickly as possible.

"We understand that it is sometimes difficult for applicants when a scheme such as Blue Badges changes. In Sutton we ensure that people who meet the statutory criteria get their Blue Badge as soon as possible."